Joanna James
A holiday in Sri Lanka absolutely must include a trip to Sigiriya. Home to the iconic rock fortress Sigiriya offers so much to learn from and is a treat worth savouring.
The little town of Sigiriya is a remarkable place to visit. This is true on both ground level as well as sky level. If you want a dose of this impressive city, in a nutshell, to indulge in an exquisite hot air balloon ride. Not only does it give you an exhilarating experience, it also provides a great opportunity to capture perfect bird's eye views of the Sigiriya town. Balloons usually float between heights of 500 to 2000 feet giving you some amazing views of Sigiriya as well as neighbouring towns. So, take in the beauty of the views and simply relax in the sky as you float by the side of a cloud in the ultimate connection with nature.
The rock fortress located in Sigiriya is what put this little town on the map. A historical masterpiece, this fortress was constructed some 1500 years ago and is on par with some of the most famous historical buildings from around the globe. Constructed by one of Sri Lanka's greatest kings, the Sigiriya castle boasts a design and structure way beyond its time. To top this, you also find here one of the finest defence systems of the ancient era. When exploring the rock fortress don't miss out on the famous ancient frescoes, the mirror wall, the lion paws, the summit ruins and the cobra-headed cave. 1200 stairs atop the fortress lie the summit where you can bask in some unparalleled 360-degree views of Sigiriya and neighbouring towns. To enjoy the Sigiriya rock fortress from a distance, opt to stay at one of the boutique hotels in Sigiriya. Places like the Amaya Signature are options that can be considered.
The Pidurangala Rock is located some 2km north of Sigiriya town and is by far one of the most tranquil spots in the city. It is this peaceful aura that has made it a popular site among meditating monks. Although often overshadowed by the fortress, this is another attraction in the town that is definitely worth stopping by. With a history that goes back 2000 years, the rock and the surrounding caves still emanate the ambience of the ancient era.
Elephants are found in abundance in Sigiriya and mingling and riding on these mighty mammals are among the most popular activities undertaken by visitors to the city. An elephant ride, in particular, is plenty of fun for the experience is thrilling and definitely one of a kind.
Sigiriya is rich in history and the rock fortress is proof of the fact. If you want to learn more about the historic side of this city visit the Sigiriya Museum. Located some 200 metres from the main entrance of the Sigiriya rock fortress, the museum has a rich collection of historic artefacts from the area and an audio-visual show providing you with all the information that you will need.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
